1. Is it accurate to say that a significant percentage of CPAP patients will have to experiment with various combinations of equipment & features before they find a setup that meets their specific needs (regardless of Dr./DME expertise)?
2. How likely is it that even the best clinicians will know up front what will be optimal for each individual patient?
3. If trial & error is, in fact, the usual procedure, is it customary for good DME companies to let you try out different equipment with no obligation before you commit to a contract with their company, or before you commit to buying specific equipment? If so, do insurance companies usually let you rent from a DME during a trial period--without permanent obligation to the DME or the specific equipment?
4. If I basically trust the Dr./DME, am I likely to save myself time & hassle by starting out with the equipment & features that they recommed (after giving them thorough information re: my habits, likes/dislikes), rather than doing a lot of research and trying to customize the first setup according to what I think I will need?
A multitude of answers/opinions re: any or all of these questions would be deeply appreciated!
Thanks,
Brian
Dr./DME recommendations and trial & error
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Brian
Trial and error is a big factor in attaining the optimum treatment for each individual. Too many DMEs and sleep doctors don't take individuality into consideration when prescribing equipment. And the majority of DME providers will NOT GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED OR WANT! You need to read, read and read this forum, previous posts and learn by our trials and errors. When you are armed with knowledge you have aquired here you will be able to effectively present your wants and needs to your doctor (DME??....another post).
You might want to tell us a little more about yourself, have you had a sleep study, been titrated, given any equipment?
Basic answers to your questions:
1. most definitely yes.
2. not too likely
3. most insurance will REQUIRE you to rent first, to make sure you are compliant before buying outright.
4. you might trust them enough to try out what they recommend but if you want to take charge of your treatment and do what is best for YOU, you would be smart to research. Spend the time and effort, your life literally depends on it.
Trial and error is a big factor in attaining the optimum treatment for each individual. Too many DMEs and sleep doctors don't take individuality into consideration when prescribing equipment. And the majority of DME providers will NOT GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED OR WANT! You need to read, read and read this forum, previous posts and learn by our trials and errors. When you are armed with knowledge you have aquired here you will be able to effectively present your wants and needs to your doctor (DME??....another post).
You might want to tell us a little more about yourself, have you had a sleep study, been titrated, given any equipment?
Basic answers to your questions:
1. most definitely yes.
2. not too likely
3. most insurance will REQUIRE you to rent first, to make sure you are compliant before buying outright.
4. you might trust them enough to try out what they recommend but if you want to take charge of your treatment and do what is best for YOU, you would be smart to research. Spend the time and effort, your life literally depends on it.
_________________
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Bonnie
"People who say they slept like a baby apparently never had one"
"People who say they slept like a baby apparently never had one"
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Guest
First off, I certainly don't think it is fair or even accurate to suggest that "the majority of dme providers will nto give you what you need or want'.
While it is very clear from posts here that people have had some difficulties with dme companies, it is statistically impossible that it represents even a fraction of the companies available out there. If one were to look at trends, the strongest that emerges here is that a national company, Apria, routinely generates complaints here, though a few have also mentioned having fantastic success. So the inference could be to stay away from Apria. The other national company mentioned here, Lincare, seems to generate about half as many complaints as praises. Mostly it seems to come down to hit or miss on anything.
I can only reference my own experiences and say that I have had outstanding success with my dme. They have very, very much helped me understand what I am going through and helped me to find the best equipment for my treatment. They have routinely gone out of thier way to educate me. Both my primary care doctor and the sleep doctor whom I saw have done the same too. In fact, I even got a 2nd followup call today from the sleep doctor just checking in since I haven't been in to the office in a couple months.
1. I my case, very much
2. I can't see how it is. We are all different aren't we?
3. My would let me try out different equipment before choosing one. I wouldn't expect them to let me try all different things if I wan't going to be actually getting it from them. I understood from them that if I was going to need an auto unit, that it would be a rental. If I went with the cpap it was purchased.
4. For me I liked doing it this way. I started out with a basic mask and a basic setting. At the dme office I tried a bunch of different masks and chose one. After a few nights of getting used to everything then we started fiddling around with other masks and settings. It helped since I now had a frame of reference when it came to choosing a mask. The first time around I had no idea what would be important.
While it is very clear from posts here that people have had some difficulties with dme companies, it is statistically impossible that it represents even a fraction of the companies available out there. If one were to look at trends, the strongest that emerges here is that a national company, Apria, routinely generates complaints here, though a few have also mentioned having fantastic success. So the inference could be to stay away from Apria. The other national company mentioned here, Lincare, seems to generate about half as many complaints as praises. Mostly it seems to come down to hit or miss on anything.
I can only reference my own experiences and say that I have had outstanding success with my dme. They have very, very much helped me understand what I am going through and helped me to find the best equipment for my treatment. They have routinely gone out of thier way to educate me. Both my primary care doctor and the sleep doctor whom I saw have done the same too. In fact, I even got a 2nd followup call today from the sleep doctor just checking in since I haven't been in to the office in a couple months.
1. I my case, very much
2. I can't see how it is. We are all different aren't we?
3. My would let me try out different equipment before choosing one. I wouldn't expect them to let me try all different things if I wan't going to be actually getting it from them. I understood from them that if I was going to need an auto unit, that it would be a rental. If I went with the cpap it was purchased.
4. For me I liked doing it this way. I started out with a basic mask and a basic setting. At the dme office I tried a bunch of different masks and chose one. After a few nights of getting used to everything then we started fiddling around with other masks and settings. It helped since I now had a frame of reference when it came to choosing a mask. The first time around I had no idea what would be important.
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rested gal
- Posts: 12883
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Brian, Bonnie summed it up beautifully.
About this:
bottom line is, as Bonnie said --
"4. you might trust them enough to try out what they recommend but if you want to take charge of your treatment and do what is best for YOU, you would be smart to research. Spend the time and effort, your life literally depends on it."
In my humble opinion, most doctors and DMEs simply do not know enough about COMFORT issues in general with this kind of treatment. You really can't count on them to select the most-likely-to-be-comfortable mask or machine for you. And COMFORT is the key to being able to stick with this kind of inherently uncomfortable, disruptive new way of trying to sleep.
Again, as Bonnie said, do spend the time and effort researching what you think would work best for you. I think you've already been doing this, but keep doing it... keep digging into the message board as if you were a medical student cramming for the exam of your life. Make your own decisions about what machine and what mask you want to try.
Don't leave comfort-in-treatment decisions up to the often clueless, no matter how much you trust them. Hey, that applies to a lot of what you read on the message board, too; including what I write!
Do you feel like you're back to square one again. Brian?
About this:
No matter how well meaning the doctor or DME is...no matter how concerned they are...no matter how much they WANT to help you and are willing to spend time doing it...no matter how thoroughly you fill them in about yourself...no matter how trustworthy they are...Brian12465 wrote:4. If I basically trust the Dr./DME, am I likely to save myself time & hassle by starting out with the equipment & features that they recommed (after giving them thorough information re: my habits, likes/dislikes), rather than doing a lot of research and trying to customize the first setup according to what I think I will need?
bottom line is, as Bonnie said --
"4. you might trust them enough to try out what they recommend but if you want to take charge of your treatment and do what is best for YOU, you would be smart to research. Spend the time and effort, your life literally depends on it."
In my humble opinion, most doctors and DMEs simply do not know enough about COMFORT issues in general with this kind of treatment. You really can't count on them to select the most-likely-to-be-comfortable mask or machine for you. And COMFORT is the key to being able to stick with this kind of inherently uncomfortable, disruptive new way of trying to sleep.
Again, as Bonnie said, do spend the time and effort researching what you think would work best for you. I think you've already been doing this, but keep doing it... keep digging into the message board as if you were a medical student cramming for the exam of your life. Make your own decisions about what machine and what mask you want to try.
Don't leave comfort-in-treatment decisions up to the often clueless, no matter how much you trust them. Hey, that applies to a lot of what you read on the message board, too; including what I write!
Do you feel like you're back to square one again. Brian?
1. YES!
2. People vary so much in how they respond to xpap therapy and their facial structure differs to such a degree that it is unlikely in the extreme that they will hit all the variables spot on on the first try...even with the very best of intentions. Comfort is a BIG issue, and that is very hard for another individual to determine for you.
3. This varies with the DME, (and I did not go thru a DME myself) but based on the information provided by people on this forum, it appears that the answers would have to be 'no'. Unless the DMA has a bank of 'demo' masks, masks are 'single patient use' and sold as such. Some DME's do seem to have demos, most do not (again, based on the information provided by posters to this forum.) The 'demos' may be limited to one particular brand, too; all Repsironics, or all ResMed for example.
4. Well, it would give you a place to start. Personally, I took the later path, and with the exception of the full face mask, I think I did well. I did a LOT of research on this forum prior to purchase. I have the impression that the choice of machine (while important) is secondary to the mask. The mask seems to be the key to success with xpap therapy for the majority. Before accepting your Dr./DME's suggestions, I would take them and research those specific items here on the forum. That would give you some idea of how people actually using that equipment have responed. But do remember, your milage may vary!
Best of luck, and don't hesitate to ask questions
on this forum...many, many knowledgable and helpful people here!
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, DME
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, DME
2. People vary so much in how they respond to xpap therapy and their facial structure differs to such a degree that it is unlikely in the extreme that they will hit all the variables spot on on the first try...even with the very best of intentions. Comfort is a BIG issue, and that is very hard for another individual to determine for you.
3. This varies with the DME, (and I did not go thru a DME myself) but based on the information provided by people on this forum, it appears that the answers would have to be 'no'. Unless the DMA has a bank of 'demo' masks, masks are 'single patient use' and sold as such. Some DME's do seem to have demos, most do not (again, based on the information provided by posters to this forum.) The 'demos' may be limited to one particular brand, too; all Repsironics, or all ResMed for example.
4. Well, it would give you a place to start. Personally, I took the later path, and with the exception of the full face mask, I think I did well. I did a LOT of research on this forum prior to purchase. I have the impression that the choice of machine (while important) is secondary to the mask. The mask seems to be the key to success with xpap therapy for the majority. Before accepting your Dr./DME's suggestions, I would take them and research those specific items here on the forum. That would give you some idea of how people actually using that equipment have responed. But do remember, your milage may vary!
Best of luck, and don't hesitate to ask questions
on this forum...many, many knowledgable and helpful people here!
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, DME
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, DME
_________________
| Machine | Mask | |||
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| Additional Comments: Avg. AHI .4 | ||||
Getting old doesn't make you 'forgetful'. Having too damn many things to remember makes you 'forgetful'.
[quote="Bonnie"]Brian
Trial and error is a big factor in attaining the optimum treatment for each individual. Too many DMEs and sleep doctors don't take individuality into consideration when prescribing equipment. And the majority of DME providers will NOT GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED OR WANT! You need to read, read and read this forum, previous posts and learn by our trials and errors. When you are armed with knowledge you have aquired here you will be able to effectively present your wants and needs to your doctor (DME??....another post).
You might want to tell us a little more about yourself, have you had a sleep study, been titrated, given any equipment?
Basic answers to your questions:
1. most definitely yes.
2. not too likely
3. most insurance will REQUIRE you to rent first, to make sure you are compliant before buying outright.
4. you might trust them enough to try out what they recommend but if you want to take charge of your treatment and do what is best for YOU, you would be smart to research. Spend the time and effort, your life literally depends on it.
Trial and error is a big factor in attaining the optimum treatment for each individual. Too many DMEs and sleep doctors don't take individuality into consideration when prescribing equipment. And the majority of DME providers will NOT GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED OR WANT! You need to read, read and read this forum, previous posts and learn by our trials and errors. When you are armed with knowledge you have aquired here you will be able to effectively present your wants and needs to your doctor (DME??....another post).
You might want to tell us a little more about yourself, have you had a sleep study, been titrated, given any equipment?
Basic answers to your questions:
1. most definitely yes.
2. not too likely
3. most insurance will REQUIRE you to rent first, to make sure you are compliant before buying outright.
4. you might trust them enough to try out what they recommend but if you want to take charge of your treatment and do what is best for YOU, you would be smart to research. Spend the time and effort, your life literally depends on it.
Square One!
Not only do I feel like I'm back at square 1 - but I am a year into this and still at square 1! I wish I had known about this site last year BEFORE I got my mask, etc.
I never even knew there were any choices. I did my sleep study in July 05 -I got a machine (which turned out was the wrong machine from my DME) - but I didn't know any better, got a mask - came back for a couple of follow ups (last one in Oct) - but nothing since then.
1) How do I find out if I have a card in my machine?
2) Do you have to use a specific software for each machine - or my choice? I would like to find out what kind of readings I'm getting - but I don't have a clue (and how do you learn to interpret them???)
3) How do you learn to change the settings? I don't remember getting a manual that showed how to do that!
Where do you learn these things? I have seen a lot of posts regarding this stuff - but not how to do it! (Maybe if the settings were changed I could use that Comfort Curve mask that I bought (out of my pocket) last year (when I found out they sold this stuff online) and is still sitting in the drawer because it kept me awake all night long because the pressure seemed too strong!) Not to mention that I feel a lot better when I sleep with it than without - but I think I should feel even better than I do, maybe.
I don't think my dr is going to be that helpful and I would like to know more. (There used to be a very friendly, very helpful woman in that office but she moved away so now things are not the same.)
Sorry for the "dumb" questions - but you have to start somewhere I guess!
Thanks
I never even knew there were any choices. I did my sleep study in July 05 -I got a machine (which turned out was the wrong machine from my DME) - but I didn't know any better, got a mask - came back for a couple of follow ups (last one in Oct) - but nothing since then.
1) How do I find out if I have a card in my machine?
2) Do you have to use a specific software for each machine - or my choice? I would like to find out what kind of readings I'm getting - but I don't have a clue (and how do you learn to interpret them???)
3) How do you learn to change the settings? I don't remember getting a manual that showed how to do that!
Where do you learn these things? I have seen a lot of posts regarding this stuff - but not how to do it! (Maybe if the settings were changed I could use that Comfort Curve mask that I bought (out of my pocket) last year (when I found out they sold this stuff online) and is still sitting in the drawer because it kept me awake all night long because the pressure seemed too strong!) Not to mention that I feel a lot better when I sleep with it than without - but I think I should feel even better than I do, maybe.
I don't think my dr is going to be that helpful and I would like to know more. (There used to be a very friendly, very helpful woman in that office but she moved away so now things are not the same.)
Sorry for the "dumb" questions - but you have to start somewhere I guess!
Thanks
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Guest
Re: Square One!
1) Your equipment shows you have the Respironics Remstar Plus. That particular machine doesn't have smart card capability.Cympianne wrote: 1) How do I find out if I have a card in my machine?
2) Do you have to use a specific software for each machine - or my choice? I would like to find out what kind of readings I'm getting - but I don't have a clue (and how do you learn to interpret them???)
3) How do you learn to change the settings? I don't remember getting a manual that showed how to do that!
2) Your equipment doesn't have software capability so you are not able to find out what kind of readings you're getting.
3) I bought my equipment online from cpap.com and the directions for how to change the settings were in the manual that came with the machine.
Can you contact your sleep doctor and ask to be switched to the Remstar Pro 2 with c-flex? That is also a straight cpap machine like the one you currently have, but it is one that comes with the smartcard and you can buy the specific Respironics software online and also the card reader.. Then you could see what kind of readings you're getting to see if you should change the settings on your machine. Here is a picture of it so you can see where the smart card is located. You can see it sticking out on the right side of the machine.
Those aren't dumb questions. It's good to be asking what's happening and how to make things better.
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1